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Missing tooth

There are a variety of options on how to replace one or more teeth.

Missing one tooth in your smile line

If you are missing one tooth in your smile line there are 4 options: leave as a space, wear a removable denture, restore with a bridge or an implant. The prices indicated below are private costs and assume it is not an ACC injury. ACC can contribute between 25-50% of the costs of the options below, as long as your mouth can be proved to be in a healthy condition. Here are some pro’s and cons of each replacement tooth option:

LEAVE AS A SPACE

This is the cheapest option.

Please take into consideration that as there will be less teeth to bite on, on that side, the opposite side of your mouth may take more of the chewing forces, therefore making these teeth more likely to break or wear down.

Ideally having twelve teeth on the upper and lower arches, ensures an even bite. 

REMOVABLE PLATE OR DENTURE

This is a cheap option.

The pink plastic (acrylic) denture covers the roof of your mouth, meaning you cannot taste food and drink as well. Food can get stuck underneath the denture, which if not regularly removed and cleaned daily, can cause a fungal infection in the mouth.

It is a removable option and is not “fixed in”.

Cost starts from $859. It takes 10 days to make a single-tooth denture with Avenues Dental Lab (NZ Laboratory). It is a good temporary option prior to restoring an implant (see below). A denture may last 5 years before needing to be relined or remade.

To find out more about dentures, click here.

BRIDGE: FIXED OR RESIN-RETAINED

A FIXED BRIDGE

This involves cutting teeth either side of the space into little peg teeth, and Evolve Dental Studio (NZ Laboratory) takes a shade of the teeth to achieve the best colour-match possible. The prosthetic bridge is then fitted 3 weeks later. Cost starts from $4550.

Disadvantages – it is a destructive option as potentially unfilled teeth are cut to little pegs and also these two peg-teeth now support the weight of 3 teeth.

A bridge may last 10+ years when placed in optimal conditions and maintained with excellent oral hygiene.

A RESIN-RETAINED BRIDGE

This involves minimal preparation of an adjacent tooth, and Evolve Dental Studio take a shade of the teeth to achieve the best colour-match possible. The bridge is then ready to fit 3 weeks later. Cost is approximately $2229.

It is an excellent solution for areas not under heavy load e.g. at the front of the mouth, but a poor replacement option for posterior teeth.

85% should last 5 years, and likely to last longer if optimal oral hygiene is maintained.

To find out more about bridges, click here.

IMPLANTS

An implant is a titanium screw that is the gold standard replacement for a missing tooth. It replaces a single tooth without destroying teeth either side (unlike a fixed-bridge - see above). The screw is placed into the jawbone by an oral surgeon, which over a period of 4-6 months, the bone knits to the screw to hold it in place. Once the implant has "osseo-integrated" i.e. fused to the bone, an implant crown can be placed.

Implants are the most expensive option, however compared with the other options, can last a lifetime if well-maintained through excellent oral hygiene. Cost starts from $6500 including the surgery and restoration.

To find out more about dental implants, click here.

Missing multiple teeth

If you are missing multiple teeth there are 4 options: leave spaces, removable denture, bridge or implant. Click on highlighted green writing below to find out more information about each option.

  1. Leave spaces – will be putting the remaining teeth under more load/pressure, therefore making them more likely to break.
  2. Removable denture – can make a partial denture out of pink plastic (acrylic) or metal (cobalt chrome). A full complete denture is made entirely out of acrylic (costs from $2759 for upper or lower), but can be fixed securely into place via titanium implants. Can take 5-6 weeks to make a complete denture as there are multiple stages in the construction, using Avenues Dental Lab.
  3. Dental Bridge – good option as long as there are structurally sound teeth either side of the single tooth space. Can be constructed in 3 weeks from Evolve Dental Studio once the preparation is completed.
  4. Dental Implants – multiple implants can be placed, eg. to replace all upper adult teeth is 4-6 implants,  this would take 6-12 months. This is a complex case is referred on to a prosthodontist specialist Andrew Newsom, who works in the same building as Gardens Dental.
I had my first visit at Garden Dental today on recommendation from a friend. Fi made me feel very welcome and is super friendly and caring with a very down-to-earth yet professional manner. I felt quickly at ease which is just what you want when you visit the Dentist. Everyone at Gardens was in fact wonderful and friendly. I'm very happy and will definitely will be coming back :-) thanks again!!
Natalie Thompson  
I can not recomend Fiona and Vicki enough. Have always dreaded going to the dentist until these guys. Cannot stress how easy they made each appointment, they give the good drugs so you dont feel a thing. They are also lovely and friendly and always great at making you laugh. seriously cant recomend them enough : )
Ali Uden  
I have never felt so relaxed or happy about going to the dentist. Fi and Vicky are incredible and make me feel so at ease. I really wouldn’t go anywhere else!!
Sian Casserly  
What an absolutely refreshing change to go to a dentist and come out after an amazing, painless process. Have not regretted changing to Fiona and her team.
Steve Bolt  
One of the best dental experiences to date. Fi was fun and lighthearted which made for a pleasant appointment. Super gentle and checked in with me often to make sure I was ok. Can’t recommend her and her skills enough!!
Kristy Whitchelo  
Fi and Vicki you are honestly such a fantastic dental team. I have been visiting for many years now and can not speak any more highly of you both. You make my visits feel so relaxed that it doesn't feel like you are even at the dentist. Thank you girls for always looking after me, you are the best
Louise Fox  
Just recently had a cleaning & cavity filled by the lovely Fi from Gardens Dental. She is amazing and works wonders not only on your teeth but also to ensure you are comfortable and at ease during your time with her! Would highly recommend her to anyone needing a local dentist!
Jess Lowcher  
First review because I just wanted to say Fi and Vicky are honestly the best..so scared of dentists but they have made it the best experience ever. Very gentle, zero pain for multiple complicated procedures and don’t make you feel bad about not going to the dentist for ages ..they are super cool!
David Weaver  
Fiona is great to deal with and goes the extra mile, even ringing you in the evening to check that all is well. She is highly professional and a breath of fresh air. A thoroughly honest and approachable dentist.
Jez Rogers  
I had extensive work done on my lower teeth and a new top denture made. It was almost a fun experience.
Fi & Vicki are a great team, and their constant banter helped me to relax. They did so much to improve my smile and my self confidence. I highly recommend them both.
Helen Roberts